DescriptionPalliative medicine refers to treatment aimed at relieving the symptoms of patients’ suffering from serious illnesses, rather than reversing or curing the disease itself. Some palliative care falls into the category of hospice care for patients at the end of life, while non-hospice palliative medicine can be appropriate at any stage of illness, including in conjunction with curative treatments. Patients experiencing nausea and other side effects from cancer-fighting chemotherapy may be offered palliative treatments, for example, along with patients dealing with renal disease and HIV/AIDS. Some specialists in palliative medicine focus on pediatric care for children. Palliative medicine treatments can include medication and physical therapy and can be performed in a hospital, hospice or at home.

Dr. barreto was educated at the following institutions:

Medical School Attended:loma linda university school of medicine

Year of Graduation:
2002

Dr. barreto received medical licensing as follows:

Medical License:
Recieved in 2005

State Medical License:
Issued in the state of California

Dr. barreto accepts insurance from these companies:

aetna

blue cross blue shield

healthnet

Acceptance of particular Insurance Plans may vary, based on different office locations. As a result, we've listed Plans accepted at different locations.>

See what state and federal disciplinary actions (if any) have been reported against this doctor in the past five years.>

Disciplinary Actions: Not Available

Disciplinary actions are actions taken to punish or restrict physicians who have demonstrated professional misconduct. They are intended to correct the doctor's misconduct. Physicians with disciplinary actions may continue to practice, depending on the board's decision. Physicians who have had a disciplinary action in one state will often move to another state where he/she may have a clean record in that new state. Lifescript's Doctor Finder compiles disciplinary action information from all 50 states, you'll know if a physician has a disciplinary action in more than one state.

Palliative medicine focuses on relieving the discomfort and suffering of a patient brought on by a serious or chronic illness. Although it may be used along with curative treatments, palliative medicine is focused on providing comfort to the patient – as well as relieving any anxiety, depression or stress the illness may cause -- rather than reversing or curing the disease. Palliative medicine offers relief from pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, shortness of breath and emotional distress. Palliative care can include medication, physical therapy and emotional support, and can be performed in a hospital, hospice care center or at home.

When would I receive palliative care?

Nonhospice palliative medicine can be offered at any stage of illness in conjunction with curative treatments. Palliative medicine is also a part of all hospice care, offering patients care and compassion at the end of life. Some specialists in palliative medicine focus on pediatric care for children.

Palliative care is often offered to patients who have cancer, a chronic lung disease such as emphysema, heart disease or heart failure, Alzheimer’s disease, an advanced illness (HIV/AIDS, ALS, Parkinson’s), and patients who have suffered a stroke or are awaiting an organ or tissue transplant. For example, patients experiencing nausea and other side effects from chemotherapy treatments for cancer may be offered palliative treatments, as well as patients suffering from renal disease or HIV/AIDS. You would see your primary care physician for a referral to a palliative care specialist.

Who provides palliative care?

Palliative care is provided by your physician in conjunction with a palliative care physician, palliative care nurses, physical therapists, social workers, therapists, and members of your religious or spiritual faith, if desired. This team will help the patient understand the illness, communicate with and offer support to the patient’s family and friends throughout the illness, and respect the patient’s wishes during treatment.